PM meets Indonesian President at ASEAN-US Summit

California (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the ASEAN-US Summit in Sunnylands, California, on February 15 (US time).

The two leaders noted with pleasure that a number of activities were held in 2015 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic ties, thus increasing the two countries’ friendship, solidarity and people-to-people exchanges.

They agreed to maintain regular high-level visits to deepen their bilateral strategic partnership.

The Indonesian President revealed his plan to visit Vietnam soon.

In addition to enhancing economic and investment collaboration, both countries will work closely together to settle issues relating to fishermen and fishing vessels.

Regarding security-defence cooperation, the leaders agreed to push for the signing of the joint patrol agreement while coordinating to prevent terrorism, setting up a hotline between the two navies and building a policy dialogue mechanism to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.

The leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. They agreed to strengthen solidarity and the central role of ASEAN in major issues pertaining to security and the interests of separate countries and the region at large.

They reiterated the significance of sustaining peace, security and safety of aviation and navigation in the East Sea; and implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

The leaders also urged the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) and the settlement of any disputes at sea in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

The ASEAN-US Summit is taking place in California from February 15-16 with a special focus on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement and issues in the East Sea.-VNA